Date: Oct 20, 2026
Location
AUSTIN, TX
DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.
Employee Benefits
DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.
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Functional Title:
Sanitarian I
Job Title:
Sanitarian I
Agency:
Dept of State Health Services
Department:
Food & Drug
Posting Number:
22533
Closing Date:
11/03/2026
Posting Audience:
Internal and External
Occupational Category:
Life, Physical, and Social Science
Salary Range:
$3,793.41 - $5,921.25
Pay Frequency:
Monthly
Salary Group:
TEXAS-B-18
Shift:
Day
Additional Shift:
Days (First)
Telework:
Eligible for Telework
Travel:
Up to 70%
Regular/Temporary:
Regular
Full Time/Part Time:
Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:
Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City:
AUSTIN
Job Location Address:
1100 W 49TH ST (RDM)
Other Locations:
Abilene
Alamo
Alice
Alpine
Alvin
Amarillo
Anahuac
Andrews
Angleton
Anson
Aransas Pass
Archer City
Arlington
Athens
Atlanta
Austin
Bacliff
Ballinger
Bandera
Bastrop
Bay City
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Bedford
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• Zapata
MOS Codes:
8056,43HX,4E0X1,68S,740A,74A,74D,92W,MSSR,MST
Brief Job Description Sanitarian I or Environmental Protection Specialist (Sanitarian I in Training): Under the supervision of the Consumable Hemp Branch Manager, inspects consumable hemp manufacturers, consumable hemp wholesalers, retail hemp registrants, and many other types of firms for which the Unit is responsible, for compliance with the Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (TX Health and Safety Code Chapter 431) and Manufacture, Distribution, and Sale of Consumable Hemp Products Act (HSC 443). Investigates non-compliant activities involving consumable hemp manufacturers, consumable hemp wholesalers, and retail hemp registrants.
Responds to complaints and disasters involving consumable hemp products; collects necessary samples, photos, exhibits and prepares highly technical written reports documenting inspectional findings. Uses initiative and independent judgment in performing duties. Employee actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations in response and/or recovery in Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.
May participate in overnight travel and be on call or available to respond to emergency situations as needed.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs) Performs inspections and investigations involving consumable hemp manufacturers, consumable hemp wholesalers, and retail hemp registrants. Provides information and assistance on consumable hemp related subjects as requested by citizens, regulated industry, and other local, state, and federal agencies.
Completes detentions and destructions according to division policy. Completes and issues a written notice of observation for inspected facilities prior to completing the inspection. (45%)
Prepares highly technical inspection reports that may include photos, samples, and other exhibits to document inspectional findings using word processing, database, and other computer software. (15%)
Investigates complaints involving consumable hemp manufacturers, consumable hemp wholesalers, and retail hemp registrants and prepares detailed reports of findings. Investigates food-borne outbreaks and documents findings. Conducts special investigations and other special assignments as directed. Provides training, to include joint field inspections and review of inspection reports. (15%)
Provides information and assistance on consumable hemp related subjects as requested by citizens, regulated industry, and other local, state, and federal agencies. Prepares technical presentations on applicable subject for division training programs, as requested. Participates in available educational programs and training presented by the division, the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration, the Department, and additional outside training as directed. Participates in available educational programs and training (training locations may be located out-of-state). (10%)
Completes electronic travel reports, monthly activity reports, time sheets, and other division and Department reports as required. Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business. An acceptable driving record must be maintained. (5%)
Participates in regulatory actions, to include presenting technical information regarding inspections and giving testimony during hearings and court trials; prepares special reports, summaries, and exhibits for use by counsel during hearings and trials. (5%)
Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Use of safety equipment is required. (5%)
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)
Knowledge of the theory and practical applications of disciplines to include microbiology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, epidemiology, statistics, thermodynamics, nutrition, and food toxicology.
Knowledge and skill in selecting, adapting, and applying investigative methods and negotiating techniques to conduct complete and professional inspections.
Knowledge of State and Federal food safety laws and regulations covering the various types of food industry, food processing, food labeling, distribution, including applicable parts of the Code of Federal Regulations, Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, Manufacture, Distribution, and Sale of Consumable Hemp Products, Texas Administrative Code, and the Good Manufacturing Practices Regulations.
Knowledge of the technical aspects of inspections of various types of food and drug manufacturing, distribution, and equipment utilized by these facilities and the equipment for conducting inspections.
Skill in verbal and written communication, including writing detailed technical reports.
Skill in word processing, database and spreadsheet software for submission of written correspondence, reports and presentations.
Skill to make appropriate field decisions and to plan how the investigation should proceed to resolve difficult and sensitive situations.
Ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines.
Ability to provide own transportation for the purpose of conducting inspections, receiving training, responding to emergencies, and other job duties.
Ability to occasionally work outside normal duty hours and adjust work week to accommodate workload, and to be available for emergency or disaster response (24 hours on call).
Ability to perform inspectional work which may require using ladders or catwalks to access equipment, lifting/carrying up to 50lbs, pulling/pushing up to 100lbs., standing for extended periods of time.; identifying rodent and insect filth, and reading labels with 1/32-inch type size during inspections.
Ability to travel as needed to satisfy program needs.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications
Must pass the Texas Registered Sanitarian Examination within six (6) months from the initial date of employment. Registered Sanitarian status must be obtained within (2) years of the date of employment.
Possess a valid Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state.
Initial Screening Criteria
This position is being posted as a Sanitarian I, which is understaffed. understaffed. If an applicant does not meet the requirements for the Sanitarian I classification, the applicant will be considered for the Environmental Protection Specialist I (EPS I) classification.
The Texas
Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) Sanitarian Registration Program will determine whether an applicant meets the educational requirements and gives credit fo relevant work experience to determine the applicant's qualifying status as one of the following:
Sanitarian I Requirements: Bachelor's degree from a US accredited college/university (or foreign education that has been determined to be equivalent) with at least 30 semester hours in basic science or natural science or any combination thereof and acquires two (2) years of experience in the field of sanitation.-OR-
Environmental Protection Specialist (EPS 1)/Sanitarian-In-Training (SIT): Bachelor's degree from a US accredited college/university (or foreign education that has been determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator) with at least 30 semester hours in basic science or natural science or any combination. No experience or less than (2) years of experience in the field of sanitation.
Must be available to work hours other than Monday-Friday from 8AM-5PM. Experience using a computer including word processing and database software.
Additional Information
Posting ID: 22533
PLEASE NOTE: Your application must be complete. It MUST contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer, name and phone number of supervisor, current/final salary, and a description of duties performed in a way that specifically demonstrates you meet the initial selection criteria at minimum. Missing information may lead to disqualification.
RESUMES DO NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF THE REQUIREMENT TO INCLUDE INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION NOR FOR SUPPLEMENTAL CONSIDERATION IN MEETING INITIAL CRITERIA (“See Resume” is not acceptable on the application). Resumes attached and/or pasted into the resume field may not be considered equivalent to the State Application.
This is a career track position. The successful applicant must meet educational requirements and pass a Professional Sanitarian exam within six (6) months from the date of employment. The successful applicant must achieve Professional Registered Sanitarian status within 2 years from the date of employment.
The salary for an Environmental Protection Specialist I is between $3,159.83-$4,844.17 per month, based on experience. This salary group will be maintained until the applicant meets the requirements and becomes a Professional Registered Sanitarian, at which time the position will be re-classified as a Sanitarian I with a corresponding salary of $4,872.08 per month. Should an applicant currently possess Professional Sanitarian registration and be selected for the position, the applicant will be paid at the Sanitarian salary of $4,872.08 per month.
PLEASE NOTE THE SALARY WILL START AT $4,872.08/MONTH FOR A SANITARIAN I, UNLESS THE CANDIDATE IS INTERNAL, IN WHICH CASE AT LEAST 3.4% ABOVE THE CURRENT SALARY, OR THE MINIMUM OF THE NEW SALARY GROUP, WHICHEVER IS GREATER, WILL BE APPLIED FOR A PROMOTION WHEN THE CANDIDATE IS IN THE SAME SALARY GROUP, BUT DIFFERENT CLASS TITLE AND JOB CODE. Safe operation of either a state-owned or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And Veterans Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position.
For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.
ADA Accommodations In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview.
If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.
Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, And Work Eligibility
The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 form
Nearest Major Market:
Austin